But if you’re deadset on buying a new iPhone this year and you want an iPhone 15, here are the cheapest options.
Before we get too deep into it, there are a few things to touch on in order to set the foundation for what we’re going to do here. When it comes to buying a new phone — any new phone, iPhone or otherwise — people need to consider two monthly costs. The first is the cost of the phone and the second is the cost of the plan. You won’t get much mileage out of a new phone if you don’t have a plan to go with it.
Plus, if you choose to buy a phone through a carrier, you’ll have to get a plan with that carrier, too. So, it’s doubly important to consider the cost of a plan when looking at phone upgrades, even if you plan to buy the phone outright.
Another factor worth keeping in mind is that Canada’s Big Three carriers — Rogers, Bell, and Telus — all offer a program that discounts the monthly financing of a phone if customers agree to return the phone (or pay the difference) after two years.
As you’ll see below, generally, it’s not worth going this route unless you get a really, really good deal on the monthly financing (spoiler: you won’t).
With that said, let’s get into it.
The cheapest way to get the new iPhone you want
Let’s start with the obvious. The cheapest way to get an iPhone 15 model is to get the iPhone 15. It is the lowest cost option across the board and unless you really need the extra features offered by the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, it’s probably the choice that makes the most sense purely by the numbers.
That said, some people will want to try and get the most expensive option for the lowest possible price, too. So, I did the below calculations based on the iPhone 15 Pro Max starting price. The calculations work regardless of the iPhone 15 model you want, just swap out the numbers where appropriate. (Plus, focusing on one model saves us both a lot of time since I won’t need to write as much and you won’t need to read as much.)
The cheapest way to buy an iPhone 15 model for most Canadians will be to buy it outright from Apple. The main reason for this is that it’s the lowest cost for all of the iPhone 15s (Apple now charges interest if you finance through it and the carriers slightly inflate the cost of the phones so you end up paying them more). The other reason is buying from Apple means you get to pick your plan or keep your existing plan if you have a good one, potentially saving you hundreds over the course of two years.
Here are examples based on the iPhone 15 Pro Max:
From Apple
$1,749 outright or $79.09/mo financing for 24 months at 7.99 percent APR, which works out to $1,898.16 total. Then, couple that with the cost of a plan that makes sense for you.
In my case, I’d likely keep my current Fido plan (the $45/50GB Black Friday special), but there are plenty of other decent options out there, like Telus-owned Public Mobile’s current $40/30GB 5G promo plan. Using that plan, it’s $960 total over two years, which means $2,709 total when combined with the iPhone 15 Pro Max or $2,858.16 if you finance through Apple.
Whatever the case may be for you, Apple’s pricing should be the benchmark. If the iPhone you want and the plan you want are cheaper than buying through a carrier, you’re good to go.
From a carrier
Starting with the Big Three, Rogers will be the way to go because they offer the cheapest possible plan to go with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Rogers’ plan is $70/mo ($65 with autopay) for 60GB of 5G data at the time of writing. Bell’s minimum plan was $80/65GB and Telus’ was $105/150GB.
Rogers charges $50.81/mo financing with Upfront Edge, plus $65/mo (assuming you take the autopay discount) for a total of $2,779.44 over two years. And you don’t get to keep the phone unless you pay back the $580 Upfront Edge credit after two years.
If you skip Upfront Edge, you’ll pay $74.97/mo financing for a total of $3,359.28 over two years, the same as with Upfront Edge and the $580 at the end of two years.
Now, you might be wondering about the flanker brands, Fido, Koodo, and Virgin Plus. Once again, the Rogers side comes out at the lowest cost because of cheaper plan options. Fido has $39/mo 10GB (after $5/mo autopay discount), while Koodo and Virgin both have a minimum $65/mo plan.
With Fido, you need to pay $999 upfront and $33.35/mo in financing for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Coupled with the $39/mo plan, that’s $2,735.40 total, just slightly more than buying the phone outright from Apple.
Regional carriers
That leaves us with regional carriers like Freedom and Vidéotron. At the time of writing, both of these appear to be promising if you live in an area covered by one of the two and are willing to return your phone.
Freedom charges $0 down and $49/mo for the iPhone 15 Pro Max on TradeUp (its device return program) and a $50/mo plan. The problem is that, at the time of writing, Freedom’s website wasn’t loading properly for anyone on the MobileSyrup team, making it impossible to check the cost breakdown of TradeUp.
The two numbers we have access to work out to $2,376 over two years, but the TradeUp cost will make or break Freedom’s position among the carriers. That said, if you’re okay with returning the phone, then Freedom becomes a more attractive offer. Plus, the provider has a BOGO deal (of sorts) where customers can get an iPhone 15 with the purchase of another eligible iPhone 15 model, though both phones need to be on $65/mo+ plans.
Finally, Vidéotron had a ‘flashsale’ on the iPhone 15 series at the time of writing. For the iPhone 15 Pro Max, that drops the financing cost from $72.75/mo to $44.75/mo with the take-back credit. The minimum plan is $55/15GB, for $2,395 total over two years. Again, however, you need to return the device at the end of the two-year period.
Wrapping up
As I said at the start, there are several factors to consider when pricing out the cheapest way to get a new iPhone 15. For me, the best option remains an outright purchase from Apple and sticking with whatever plan makes sense for me.
I would also recommend that same course for anyone else considering the iPhone 15 series, but you should tailor the numbers accordingly. Generally, you should compare any carrier rate against the cost you’d pay buying the phone outright plus 24 months of whichever plan works best for you, and go with what’s cheapest.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
The two numbers we have access to work out to $2,376 over two years, but the TradeUp cost will make or break Freedom’s position among the carriers. That said, if you’re okay with returning the phone, then Freedom becomes a more attractive offer. Plus, the provider has a BOGO deal (of sorts) where customers can get an iPhone 15 with the purchase of another eligible iPhone 15 model, though both phones need to be on $65/mo+ plans.
